Decades yawn and stretch across the years,
traveling up the stairs, around the chairs
coiling around the door of one small room
that was groomed by the sun of a Saturday afternoon...
Floating on a sea of a hardwood floor
I'm prone, on my back, on a lavender rug
Examining the nail of my left hand thumb
hearing you express, that you aced your class
I had confessed, to missing you more each day
linked only to you, by that ivory phone
and a ring on my finger, that bound our love
and blinded our eyes to the doubt of youth...
Invitations in the mail, and a church on hold
There was a cake on order, and a cold hard world
You were glued to my ear, I was entrapped by a cord
that tugged on the wall, with every word
Light from the yard is scored by the blinds
but, there on the floor, prone on my back,
I'm bound by the cord that tethered our lives
Linked to your voice, where love was wound
Hovering over the sea of cold hardwood,
I had a pillow of shag of a lavender rug
The days stretching short and our vows yet untold
A cord getting stronger, that time would unfold

Don’t you remember, love, how we danced that first night;
beneath the sun’s rays, toes dipping in the cooling sand,
to the tune of our favorite song –
with me humming the best I could –
(I sounded terrible, but you told me I sounded divine, remember?)
while falling all over myself, and your delicate feet;
and you, trying so hard not to laugh as I made such a fool of myself!
Did you ever think we would go
from being love-sick teenagers dancing on the beach,
to a couple of old-timers reminiscing
about our best years – our long ago days together?
Honey?
Sweetheart, please…
If there is any part of that teenage girl
left within that beautiful head of yours…please;
please, just look in my eyes as you once did…
look at me, sweetheart…
Don’t you remember?
My love, do you hear?
They’re playing our favorite song…
*Inspired by Izzy Gumbo's Solfege Contest
I really hope I did this right! :)

Together the Owl and the PusyCat were married
Then again sailed out over the deep blue seas
Searching forever for the great Land of Nod,
To the place where they could find true peace.
True peace, true peace… Where they could find true peace.
The love that twined forever within their hearts
They sought throughout all the wonderous lands
Going to the place where they would live in peace,
A place where true peace, rules and lives in the hearts of the land.
The land, the land… Where true peace lives in the heart of the land.
Alas, the love of the heart, though truly not easy to find…
Is easier to find than the love of peace, found throughout the land.
So it’s said they will continue to sail, until that day comes true,
And when they land for the final time, will be up to me and you.
Me and you, me and you… That day will be up to me and you.

Is never a crime so earn me awhole.
For all whose thoughts were crack in noon,
And still do not think is right left being dumb.
Had in prenuptial undertaken sauntered, When lifted indisbelief what the world is of its own. If it's a wistful pan of several host? or A spiteful mine of volcanic tusks.

The cracked spine of
the book I dropped
at the call.
A chip in my
windshield left by a
pompous *?#@! in a
red sports car as I
drive to the
service.
Rain expectorating
from an ashen sky as
the dirt is turned.
Today is terrible.
Though this is less
terrible than the
crack in grandma’s
spine from her fall
down the stairs.
The chip in her
amazingly smart mind
after eighteen years
as a teacher.
Tears running,
dripping from my
Mothers ashen face
as she cries “My
mama’s dead.”
Today is terrible.
Though this is less
terrible than the
cracked family
emotions left raw
and empty.
The chip in Grandpas
numb mind at the
gathering… “Where is
Irene she should be
here?”
Faces gone ashen
with dread, do we
leave him numb or
remind him that his
wife is dead?
Today is terrible.
Though this is less
terrible than the
empty silences,
missing the jokes
Grandma used to
crack.
Grandma’s laugh and
her endless smile
which always exposed
that tooth with the
chip in it.
Without her the
world has become
empty, bleak, and
ashen.
Today is terrible.
Summer
Gratias

… I Awoke to A Classical, Pearl Ensemble
A String Quartet’ Upon My Pillow
Your Bass, Echoed – like an Ocean-Rumble
‘… I Love You …’ Plucked the Polished Mellow-Cello’
and the Flawless Violins and The Viola – Flow
Rushed to my Wavy Shore – Aglow
Displayed and Spilled, like a Whirlpool- Vibrato …
… Your Cultured Concert, left me … Staccato’
… I Awoke to A Classical, Pearl Ensemble
A String Quartet’ Upon My Pillow
and as Each Iridescent Drop, Solo-Sheen-Tumbled
… My Own Heartstrings, did Crescendo... Maestro

If I forget,
Remind me of your name
As it must have slipped away.
If I forget,
Show me a photo of my face
As it surely has changed.
If I forget,
Take my hand back to that place
For I've certainly lost my way.
If I forget,
Breathe a gentle breath in my ear
If will calm my fear and rekindle the flame.
If I forget,
Bring the heart straps
That held me to you like glue.
And if I forget,
Carry the memory of us
It is lost but a treasure on a raft on the waves...
TRS, 09/13/08

someone always told me this with tears in her eyes...
(for Lata Sethi's late-mother, who was my mother’s ‘sister’ and who took us all into her heart, and for Lata and Ravi Sethi of Defence Colony, New Delhi)
a wife left South Africa in the 1960’s to join her husband
who was in exile at the time...
in 1970 the husband was sent by the African National Congress to India to be its representative there...
the husband and wife spent two years in Bombay...
one afternoon the husband fell and broke his leg...
the wife knocked on their neighbour’s door, in an apartment complex in Bombay
the neighbour was an old Punjabi lady...
the wife asked the neighbour for a doctor to see to the injured husband...
a Parsi ‘Bone-Setter’ was promptly summoned...
the husband still recalls his anxiety of seeing ‘Bone-Setter’ written on the Parsi gentleman’s bag...
by the way, the ‘Bone-Setter’ worked his ancient craft and surprisingly for the husband, his broken leg healed quite soon...
but still on that day, while the ‘Bone-Setter’ was seeing to the husband...
the wife and the old Punjabi lady from next door got to talking about this and that and where these new Indian-looking wife and husband were from as their accents were clearly not local...
the wife told the elderly Punjabi lady that the husband worked for the African National Congress of South Africa and had left to serve the ANC from exile...
and that they had left their two children behind in South Africa and that they were now essentially political refugees...
the Punjabi lady broke down and wept uncontrollably...
she told the foreign woman that she too had had to leave her home in Lahore in 1947 and flee to India with only the clothes on her back when the partition of the subcontinent took place and Pakistan was formed and at a time when Hindus from Pakistan fled to India and vice versa...
the Punjabi lady then asked the foreign woman her name...
‘Zubeida’, but you can call me ‘Zubie’...
the Punjabi woman hugged Zubie some more, and the two women, seperated by age and geography, wept, sharing a shared pain...
the Punjabi woman told Zubie that she was her ‘sister’ from that day on, and that she felt that pain of exile and forced migration and what being a refugee felt like...
Zubie and her husband Mosie became the closest of friends with the Hindu Punjabi neighbours who were kicked out of Pakistan by Muslims...
then came the time for Mosie and Zubie to leave for Delhi where the African National Congress office was based...
the elderly Punjabi lady and Mosie and Zubie said their goodbyes...
a year or two later, the elderly Punjabi lady’s daughter Lata married Ravi Sethi and the couple moved to Delhi...
the elderly Punjabi lady called Zubie and told her that her daughter was coming to Delhi to live and that she had told Lata, her daughter that she had a ‘sister’ in Delhi...
Lata and Ravi Sethi then moved to Delhi...
This was in the mid-1970’s...
Lata and Zubie became the closest of friends and that bond stayed true, and stays true till today, though Zubie is no more, and the elderly Punjabi lady is no more...
the son and the husband still have a bond with Lata and Ravi Sethi...
a bond that was forged between Hindu and Muslim and between two continents across the barriers of creed and time...
a bond strong and resilient, forged by the pain and trauma of a shared experience...
and that is why, and I shall never stop believing this, that hope shines still, for with all the talk of this and of that, and of that and of this, there will always be a simple woman, somewhere, anywhere, who would take the ‘other’ in as a sister, a fellow human...
and that is why there will always be hope...
hope in the midst of this and of that and of that and of this...
hope...
(for Lata Sethi's late-mother, who was my mother’s ‘sister’ and who took us all into her heart, and for Lata and Ravi Sethi of Defence Colony, New Delhi)

Summer season was my childhood’s greatest fun time,
We played with toys out of a coconut tree which is a tree of life,
We built little houses beautifully and so high as we climbed
Like a flying trapeze on its leaves, we swung so high.
We played with toys made of coconut trees, the tree of life,
My playmates joined me in building little houses using a dull knife,
Out of its leaves and midribs, we made walls, roofs and doors,
Pretended as good cooks with its coconut shells and fruits.
My playmates joined me in building little houses using a dull knife
Pretended to live together as families with husband and wife,
I took the role of an elder sister in our little comfortable house
I combed the hair of a younger sibling with a coco midrib brush.
Pretended to live together as families with a husband and wife
Just like small neighborhood or community along the riverside
We chose one of the eldest playmates to be the group captain,
The leader of unity and cooperation in building more tents.
Just like small neighborhood or community along the riverside
We helped one another as piles of coco leaves we made as rides,
We made unique toys out of leaves and roots as much as we could
Like trumpets when blown, we covered our ears for its loud sound.
We helped one another as piles of coco leaves we made as a ride
We webbed balls, insects and other toys for a surprise to hide,
When the captain signaled to show who's the most had a reward
Then ran with our wind vanes to the beach and marched forward.
We webbed balls, insects and other toys for a surprise to hide
We played with toys out of a coconut tree which is a tree of life,
When the captain signaled us to show the most had a reward
A wonderful summer memory from a Tree of Life I've ever had!
Sept. 11,2012
Note: The coconut trees are considered the “Trees of Life”. They can provide almost all the things we need like shelter, clothing, foods and others. So, let us preserve coconut trees! They are very helpful but be careful because they are also risky during typhoons, LOL. There are many coconut trees in our backyard especially along the riverside connecting to the beach. These trees had added so much joy on summer time during my childhood years/graders.

An unlikely couple
with that rare happiness you only see in movies
her hand is cupped in his lovingly
and his smile is so genuine it could outshine a full moon
their conversation is held strictly in their blissful gazes
but what they say is obvious
for them there is no other existence
no other life but the other
and even as they grow old
gracefully, with now wrinkled smiles
there is no couple like them
as if he were Adam, and she Eve
I watch them daily
with hope of a love only to be compared
by the difference between the heat of a steaming cup of joe
and a glass of ice water dripping with condensation
to have bliss like them
I would...No, I will be complete
One Day

I do not long for yesterday no grief my soul can find
for everything is just in the end of our time
questions left unanswered can make you seek to find
but in the end it is our destiny that wins our mind
Life is a beautiful tragedy for goodness and glory are divine
how would we know how blessed we are if to hate we remain blind
it is only through those darkest days we truly learn to love our life
so as I lay my quill down finished with each dear line
I must instill in all love and honor will always remain firmly by your side
This is something I came to know in the last few weeks. Sometimes love has always been right beside you. It may be inside yourself. Grief makes us stronger and as they say time heals all wounds. One day you will wake happy and glad to love again. Stronger than before. It is not always easy to forgive those we love or love us, but take it from me it is worth it in the end. You will be so happy you did not break or turn to others. A new friend can not fix the problems in us only we can. When we see that we can be a friend and not just have them. I am proud to have been through hell and know I am finally free from my memories.

My husband drives the highway past the old plane graveyard.
Permission to visit once a dream, now his reward.
He drools, as he studies the bounty before him, to take.
First the one that comes closest, but none he will forsake.
He smiles as he watches the sun glint off the metal shapes.
He will climb around slowly with his measuring tapes.
To see in the cockpit he would give his right arm.
But needs it instead to draw the fuselage with all it’s charm.
He grunts and he groans as he crawls upon it’s length.
He’ll count the rivets later, after he takes a drink.
Then back he’ll go to examine some more.
There’re switches and gadgets, and baubles galore.
He’s never been happier as he stares at the planes.
To disturb him now would truly be a shame.
He lithely runs between each and every plane.
And he spouts about symbols and phrases hard to explain.
He imagines them flying, as only he could.
Piloting the planes would be better than good.
Occasionally his head pops up as he does research by the ton.
He looks like a gopher as he searches hither and yon.
Finally exhausted he will pack up his gear.
Now he’ll do research on the computer to make it more clear.
He’ll know each it’s history. It’s date and it’s year.
Even whoever commanded it, plus their bombardiers.
The faces he’ll research to go with the names.
And emblems he’ll find that once adorned this old plane.
His friends from his club will go oh and then ah.
Then they’ll ask him to share with modelers, one and all.
By computer the details will spread the world before dark.
It will travel to people in every terrain, no matter how stark.
And modelers will smile as they build a new plane.
With details, and beauty, and history explained.
Now officially remembered with a new life for the old.
People now made happy will remember stories so bold.
I end my refrain with a history newly rediscovered.
An old plane’s life brought back, now on a modelers’ magazine cover.
Contest: Impress Me III
Motif: Historical. Carol Eastman and Hubby

Darn! The wind is back with a vengeance.
Its howling,
making the trees and grasses become its instrument.
Gusts to 40 mph they say; I believe it.
But the sky is so blue and the clouds are illuminated from within.
Today the wind is so strong that I can smell the pine scent from the mountains —
from the mountains where his ashes swirl.
He lifts my hair and whirls it around my face, and in the scent on the wind
I am awash with cleanness.
The tune he plays as he surrounds my body is one of memories, and greeting.
The wind slowly becomes more gentle;
caressing now; touching me in a more loving way.
Exploring with long cool fingers, around, reaching under my clothing,
becoming intimate.
Forfeiting his boldness, with a sigh he leaves on soft goodbyes.
Darn, the wind is gone.

Apple pickin’ reminiscin’,
thinkin' 'bout youth's stolen kisses.
Those are the days he is missin’,
new love for him and his fair missus.
Shiny apples ripe and ready
wait to be picked before first snow.
Sunlight streams like gold confetti.
Their secrets on the fall winds blow.
Blue gingham dress soft, she did wear,
and ribbons caught her silky hair.
In shade of trees, young love professed,
then apple pie was baked to share.
Apple pickin’ reminiscin’,
thinkin' 'bout youth's stolen kisses.
Those are the days he is missin’,
new love for him and his fair missus.
In apple orchard, young love bloomed,
and led them to their wedding day.
A favorite dish for bride and groom,
an apple pie baked each Sunday.

She chose a red scarf. The most red
of them all.
Of a dark red, a sweet and thick red color,
just as wine.
She carved from the red scarf
from the middle
to the size of a Martini glass.
Then she carved one more glass,
and she kept carving
till she fell asleep.
Yesterday
she saw her Beloved Moth
flirting with a Younger Moth,
carving together from a sweater
while she was getting busy,
carving in the shelves.
The Unhappy Moth drank lots of wine
woolen wine,
last night.
She drank lots, too much
for a Moth.
The Unhappy Moth got drunk
and fell asleep
on the red scarf,
unhidden
with a heart filled with peace.
She was not afraid no more.
Now she could be seen easily,
laying on the scarf
and easily crushed.
The Unhappy Moth was not
afraid of death no more,
at least, now she knew
how wonderful the red scarfs are
and that they taste
like red wine.

To a Bride and Groom
You have the power
over my love
to make my day rain or shine
it all began the day you asked me
"to be mine" and I wrote my name
in blood, on your hearts
dotted line
the power of my love
to fuel what feeds within me
pounce on me as a tiger
humble me as a mouse
your strength envelopes me
as if standing in an unbreakable
glass house
you have the power
over my stare, as you glare
into my inner spirits soul
those who dare to try to divide
I heed them to beware
the power you have over my love
leaves me content, without a care
floating together, we share, in
true loves enchanting bliss
what started years ago, with a friendly
hug, is reincarnated within every
new days kiss

I want a love that
fills my veins like
liquid fireworks
sweet like sugar and
cinnamon
strong enough to knock
me off my feet, like a
mighty ocean wave, yet
gentle and magic
like the forgotten lyrics
to a nursery rhyme
I want our spirits to soar
into a bright forever
like two yellow balloons
released, by the
tiny, sticky hands
of a little child
I want, my man, to know
my true self
like the words to a favorite
song on the radio
to feel me, all that is me
rhythm bound from a beaten
street drummer
I wish to be a bright guiding light
as the first star
to your empty night
A familiar love, as
traveling back to a childhood spot
your first love kiss...
first bully fight...
first playground crush lost...
I want a love
that encompasses
my senses, envelopes me
from nothing, like the
steam from my rose petal tea
filling my pores
leaving me
rejuvenated and refreshed
A love, whom steals my worries
as a thief in the night
and greets me with doe- eyed
kisses, once rounding
up a fight
I speak these words into the
universe, to send me a love
to call my own
what path will my soul mate
travel to me, mysterious
mystical journey unknown

Oh, Let’s get married in a white chapel
sip coffee, listen to blues
and read morning’s headlines.
Let’s get married in white chapel
Live in a brick house, build a picket fence
and watch the good neighbors stroll by
Cause he’s something to look at
Can pick him out from bustling restaurant
just by his gait
Cause he’s something to look at
got a wide mouth, gaping grin
always fashionably late.
When he’s nervous,
his posture is fleeting.
it’s unfitting,
because he’s got the world together.
When he’s nervous,
his words
string together like magnets
across a refrigerator door.
But then-
I’ll say something ‘bout my world views
and you’ll suddenly deliver the quickest line
and I’m laughing
finally i’m light
Oh, Let’s get married in a white chapel
sip coffee, listen to blues
and read morning’s headlines.
Let’s get married in white chapel
Live in a brick house, build a picket fence
and watch the good, good neighbors stroll by

In the instant of a second, I just always knew.
A flickering flame I caught in the eye of you.
A feather in the wind and on my last breath,
A deeper breeze of Sunsets at night’s death,
A Star beams on the Moon and lights up the sky.
I am in a wonderland amazed at just how high.
Lo and behold, it comes to me at the end.
My first love left me His message to send.
Look up and you shall see me at night,
Look down and I am out truly of sight.
Hold on to the very end for I am near,
It’s my voice in your heart you’ll hear.
Take one breath or even two,
I am the one always with you!
®Registered: Ann Rich 2006

Sex
Pleasure.
Sensuous
Men and women,
In bonds of marriage.
Holy Matrimony,
Loving each other as one.
When connected, thinking one thought.
How much longer can I enjoy this?
Then both release at the same time, OH WOW!!!!

When I'm home sick, sulking half the day because your not here,
And getting sadder if I say madder because your not there,
I remind myself in an unusual way theres worse fared,
If you don't mind being compared,
Repeating the many ways you cared,
The experiences fondly replayed in many ways,
Thoughts and memories that make me gay,
Every recipe, every taste,
Looking back it all seems in an awkward haste,
Now it is what I use to fill my plate,
It's what I use so I won't be late,
Staying here learning to appreciate,
All the miles, trucks caring freight..
For your Christmas gifts the children just can't wait,
But if you visit my mind would quake.

Woke up again this morning
afraid to open my eyes
As you prepare for an early
departure a piece of me silently
dies; I want to say I love you
but from hurt only raw emotion
abides ; another day wasted
and as always love gets
denied.........
knowing that very instant
what lies ahead for me
in these already dark and sullen skies.
Everyday is similar you are
distant so am I but that happens
with us almost every time.
It's easy to make me happy
if you were willing to try but instead
of caring for me you rebuke
poke and pry making me resent
and hate myself for perpetuating
this lie.
Can't imagine a conversation
where we could ever see eye to eye
in a perfect world we'd embrace one
another but instead our worlds collide.
Tragic and never ending days turn into
nights where a cold sudden distance
is what traps us inside.
You go your way I go mine never
finding a common ground to let the error
of our ways and pain subside.

Looking at the first blush of the morning,
I know its the perfect day for a wedding.
The big fat white wedding, the dream,
To which every little girl clings.
I tell myself as I watch the clouds turn white,
That this is the happiest day of a woman's life,
And that nothing should come in between,
The perfect bride and her groom.
I remember those young moments when I used to dream,
Of how our wedding would seem.
It was just like I had imagined,
A pretty day like today.
Slipping into my white dress and stilettos,
I think of the way you had proposed.
The way I had always wished for,
A dazzling ring in sparkling champagne.
I switch to happier thoughts from our past,
Holding hands, watching stars, laying on the grass.
We were high school sweethearts,
The perfect couple was what they called us.
We spent our days sneaking in a few kisses,
We used to pretend to be Mister and Mistress.
We were in love,
The crazy, eternal and rare kind.
Memories are shoved as mother comes into the room,
Holding a few red roses in full bloom.
Her eyes are teary and her voice is shaky,
As she whispers that she is proud of me.
Tears spill but I smile as I slide into the car,
Remembering the times you'd sing to me with your guitar.
The times you'd reach over and,
Tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
I laugh silently as I remember on the way to the chapel,
You saying once you were the beast and I, the belle.
You always bring little candles and gifts,
And laugh as I make my birthday wish.
I wonder if you'd be laughing today,
As you cut the wedding cake with the sugar bouquet.
If you'd remember our old ceremonies,
In the event of your new one.
I walk through the gates smiling at our old friends,
And take your brother's hand as his arm extends.
He takes me in but lets me go,
As we reach the door to the flowery hall.
I peek through the crack to see you there,
At the altar smiling, running a hand through your hair.
I slip in and move to the side,
As the wedding march starts to play.
In came the blushing bride, walking gracefully down the aisle,
At her friends and family, she nods and smiles.
As I hold my breath and wipe my eyes,
Our high school love story plays in my head.
I remember the day we promised we'd never part,
Because I would always be the one in your heart.
But your bride and you exchange your vows,
And I find myself repeating them inside.
The priest asks you to kiss your bride,
And I quickly slip outside.
Because no matter how alright I say I am,
Letting you go was the hardest thing I had ever done.
- Miliya Parveen

if poop could be named anything what would you name it? id name it bob and id make him sit on a log in a bog and say get out of here you hog that looks like fog from a bog thats near a log with bob sitting on it who attacked the wacking wackers with all his heart and shattered, he fell to the floor. dont name your poop bob because then youll have tears in your heart.

Full Moon Brimming
On A Hungry Wolf
Fire still burning
Words are not enough
Red Riding Hood,
You stopped me where i stood.
The basket you held, looked so good,
I enticed...And you fell...
In the woods... safe and sound
We could not believe what we had found
Me in denim... and you it lace
We understood, each other so very well
Full moon brimming over with light
Gazing into the eyes of the other
The twin to me, I did see, in You.
Be careful with my heart, my love.
My running shoes are unlaced for now,
So lean back and enjoy the ride.
Embrace all the laughter, our lives allow.
rlm

I stood staring at the moon
I thought about a night so long ago
What happened I shall never know
It was over much too soon
When he walked into the room
My love for her inside did flow
What could I do my love to show
He smiled and she did swoon
What happend next how shall I tell
For is caused my heart begin to swell
Eternal love we did vow
Our life had just begun
That was then and this is now
I am me, one alone

yOU KnoW YOU're PRETTY
YoUR SAFE fROM ME
yOU WATCH THE nEWS
iT KEEPS yOU fREE
yOUR'E sO MUCH better
THAN i COULD hOPE TO BE
i MAKES ME quiet
Not so mucH ME
I think i MIIGHT BE MAD
you tell me I might be sad
scREW Y oU MY LoVE
I am ready
TO BE GLAd

*for That Old Red Barn contest sponsored by Rick Parise
They sat on the creaky old porch swing
Looking across their dried up fields
He was remembering a favorite tune
Sang it sweetly into her good ear
She flashed a smile into his eyes
Gazed at their barn still standing proud
"Oh Pa" she whispered,"do you recall
When we met at that barn dance long ago?"
He grinned at her the way he did
And thought about that sweet young gal
As they danced the lovely night away
In that big old barn on down the road
Now memories are all that's left to them
But they're built strong like those old red barns

Passion in D-Major
Feeling, the sensuous brush-
strokes on a canvas,
swirling,
to a symphonic crescendo,
of our shared heartbeats,
fading between the notes,
feeling your soft body entwined
with mine,
your form bathed in my infinite
kisses,
our orchestral desire rising,
conducting a shared fusing of
passion,
... the music echoing ...
over the precipice,
on the brink of dazzling rainbow
hues,
lost in the void,
of an eternal instant,
plunging through the depths of
rhyme,
pleading,
forever pleading,
for a prolonged,
bouquet of shared time.

Legal Tender of Getting Old
If tears were coins I'd be a rich man…
If sadness was time I'd live forever…
If I only knew what to do to make it better…
I would do it in a heartbeat.
But, no answers are easy when feelings crash around you…
And the Sun does not shine in the heavens above…
if only I could see…if only I could find a way…if only I knew…
How do you say goodbye when there is no love?
To only be me myself alone … again…
decisions are frightening and shaky to behold…
But change is needed for me to stay sane…
all the while we continue to grow old.
RLM
'05

We fell asleep last night
In each other’s arms
I had a dream, a wonderful dream
You and the kids were standing there
This was a sight I longed to see
Our family all together
I can’t believe it finally happened
It had been so long
I thought we had all forgotten
What it was like
All the anger and hurt they had
Broke our hearts and made us sad
We all were hurting deep inside
From lies and angry words
We were all told
Together now we all forgive
Happiness has gifted us
This is how we will always live
If I wake up and it was all a dream
No children standing near
No forgiveness
Only pain
Then I shall go back to sleep
Where my dear husband,
The sweet children,
Forgiveness and love
Will always be

On the high way
My side mirror recalls
The object that appear
Are closer then
They seem to be…
Yet so close we are
Taking destiny for ride
Many are a head and
Many behind, on road
Wondering in this city.
Tales of 1000 souls
I am one of them with little
Blessing to share.
My believe, My Prayers
To Lord, is driven by Job
My Visa, my rent, my bills
Run in the veins of my day.
Morning, I do open my eyes
Only to report to job,
My wife, my children and my God
Await my return by night.
I recall not, what I did last night
When I slept, what my wife said,
Not even my child’s smile
Yet my 9 to 5 schedule is perfect
Morning open with coffee on gas stations
Traffic on highways, on city road
Fines and radars, mobiles and overspend
Frustrated yet have to drive a head
Slow in fast lane with mobile on ear
Or lady, prejudice it may seem
But I recall it in my car, another
Guy flying in his accord, reads a sign
“just cruising”, damn with smile.
Switching between channels,
Some jams, some songs to hear
Discussion VoiceBoards, interviews
Money minutes, gold rates
Some blast, some peace deals
What a way, to say Good morning.
Yet hope I am not fired today,
As the morning news did say recession
Job cuts and job losses, long leave
Companies disappearing, stocks diving
Face book blocked in offices
Looks a gloomy day.
Yet hope drives my day, a head
Beyond my reach some time
I finish my job, drive home,
Just a pleasant look on my child
A warm welcome from my wife
Makes me human from machine.
Taking deep breath of relieve
I thank God, for all His mercy
And pray for Goodness tomorrow
And wish for all those left jobless
Lay in the arms of beloved
I dream, with hope for better
Tomorrow.

A place for a myriad of pastimes
From bliss to despair
The pictures that hang here have a luminous glow from the rays that shine from
the sun
Sometimes I stare at the them wishing I could escape into the picturesque
setting where I am free from all my demons
My bedroom walls
Where my secrets lie
They see my sins
They hear my cries
Just one more place
Where my dreams have died
Ghosts from my past
Awaken me at night
I hear the howling
Of the wolves that lay in wait to tear my flesh
They violate sacred grounds
Like vultures they feed off me until all that is left is bones
If these walls could speak what would they say?
Would they scream my confidences like Banshees and give their mistress away?
Or will they remain silent?
Mysterious chamber of slumber where both romance and horror have performed
Where I keep myself hidden
Only they have the key to unlock the truth bestowing serenity on my soul
These bedroom walls don't crucify me for my wicked transgressions
In my bedroom walls I don't have to masquerade or put on a costume to conceal
my imperfections
In these bedroom walls I am free to be me

I wish to breathe my last breath in your arms
You’re the one to kill me with your charms
Everybody coaxed me to avoid you but no
You’re that someone who I just can’t let go
This world is cruel it has always made me cry
You take me to heaven and teach me to fly
You taught me how to deal with my pain
Without you barren would my life remain
You take me to a different world as I hallucinate
And all the pleasures of life you begin to recreate
I’m losing my senses someone tell me who am I
I know I need you but I don’t know why
Your absence makes me restless it’s you I need
I am an addict and you are marijuana my weed
I got addicted to you that I intentionally chose
Now that I’m addicted I don’t mind an overdose
-Collice Rodrigues
11/11/2010

I met a woman, fell in love
She was a gift from above
Soon she became my spouse
We gathered things and set up house.
Some things were new without a flaw
Some were hand me downs from Ma and Paw
For some we saved nickels in a can
Some were bought on the installment plan.
Children came – a total of four
Two boys – two girls- no need for more
We managed to provide room and board
Did the best we could afford.
We moved around from house to house
On an adventure – me and my spouse
Gathering things to which we would cling
But we rarely got rid of anything.
Tables, chairs, couches, and beds
Cabinets and shelves taller than our heads
Mugs, pictures, and bells we did collect
Mementoes and heirlooms on which to reflect.
A man gathers a lot in over fifty years
And remembers many of them with tears
Many a thing still fills my house
But it’s not a home without my spouse.
She has a room in a retirement home
Care is provided and she cannot roam
I dreamed one day we would be old timers
But I never figured on Alzheimer’s.
Now I have a house full of stuff
Too many things - more than enough
The time has come to downsize
To an apartment in the high rise.
My children came one by one
Went through my stuff until they were done
One takes this and another takes that
And managed to do so without a spat.
Giving things away is a lonely task
My irritability I cannot mask
Gathering things with my spouse
Was more fun than cleaning out house.

Lonely heart, mind, soul and body
Overcast with sorrow and heavy with unshed tears
Never again can I hold my love and
Ever he willed my love to die
Loving anew, remarried, leaving me dying
You'll never know I love you still until the end of time

Remember When
Remember when I was twenty
and you were only twenty-four?
Remember how you looked at me
and how my eyes rested on yours?
Remember the eyelash on your fingertip
and how you blew it away?
Remember my prayer, my wish
and what I wanted you to say?
Remember the pounding of our hearts
as love embraced our very souls?
You and I
Have known each other from long ago
Before there was life
Before there was breath.

The music thumps, the walls jump
She pole dances against the jamb
Dust rag in her right
Polish in her left hand
House is hers for a few hours
To fulfill a fantasy
Bump and grind it babe
The vacumn whiiiirrrs away
Shake that booty, strut that stuff
Transfer clothes in washer to dryer
Wearing faded blue jeans
Kick that leg up higher
Beds are made, bunnies dusted
She cat walks looking demure
Practises a sultry pout
Wiping spots from the mirror
Work the shoulders, drop to a deep squat
Then stick the tush up in the air
Family is due home very soon
Straighten her clothing with care
Greet the kids with hugs, husband with kisses
Getting dinner to the table
While news plays in the background
Her life is happy, solid and stable
Dishes washed, kids off to sleep
Taking my husband by the hand
This housewife leads him to our room
Where her stripper soul takes command

Seven years have passed
since first I married him
Whence he succombed his bride
Yet when I told him of babe we’d due
it felt our love just withered up and died
For the man he changed,
no, the child we had not planned
Pushed me around until to others ashamed I lied
I’d fallen, or bumped myself again,
backed him up, supported him, everything denied.
When babe was born,
I thought we’d learn to love
Try to make things work together with pride
But now cut off from all my friends in time,
it’s nursing I only now that I must bide.
Although I raise our child
I am so sad, my life has stopped,
when they play up I fret that you will chide
and fear that you’ll know not of when to stop
Frightened, huddled close we rock, we hide.
Once grown up, at school a freedom found,
whilst you’re at work – your daily grind.
Lucky new friend we find to guide
us back to safety relieved, released.
Apart, I know head high that I had tried.

So frigid was her immaculate body
Her last second in screams is all
I can see Love's revenge was my guilt
With you I'd rather let you die with Bound hands
Without you, Marie, like the psychopath's dream
Death is all that I can see; All that could redeem
Did anyone ask
Did anyone recall
The sweet taste of the poison
The swift slash of the knife
he penetration of the lead
The pain of her decaying heart
I can hear it's bellowing cries
But why can't you, Marie,
Hear my paranoid eulogies
Is the coffin too deep?
Was it so hard to solve
Was it so hard to see
That I strangled her so easily
My nails piercing her comely skin
Blood dripping like the pomegranate
I crushed with the shovel
I shattered her shins
The knife to slight her wrists
Didn't you see I did it all
The only witness
Couldn't say Is the coffin too deep?
The pain of her decaying hear
tI can hear it's bellowing cries
But why can't you, Marie,
Hear my paranoid eulogies
Is the coffin too deep?
Marie I cant stay
Earth is to cruel when
your coffin is to deep
Forever in death and in death alone
The pain of her decaying heart
I can hear it's bellowing cries
But why can't you, Marie,
Hear my paranoid eulogies
Is the coffin too deep?

Ranks Are This High,
Just Like Banks That Sigh,
Clouds That Overflow,
Mights That Thunder,
Heights That Daze,
Depths Of Deep Passion..
That Caught All Including Your Slobbery Gaze.
Winds A-Rolling,
Clouds A-Calling,
Like Minds A-Floating,
Deep Sights Of The Morrow A-Coming,
Palm Covered Beaches A-Charming,
Your Beauty and Grace So Soul Warming,
Sweet Trust and Understanding..
Making Heated Sand Dunes,A-chilling..
The Flaming Sea Breeze In Your Sweet Smelling Hair..Oh! What an Harmonius
Bliss..
Pray For Thy Right Prince..
Good Men..Full Of Salient Thinkings..
Beware Of These Ranks Of Men..
Men That Blink,
Must Twitch,
Not Reliable..Always A Flinch,
Men That Bewitch..Must Stink,
My Sweet Belles Beware Of Evil Men..
That Fiery Heat Of True Passion and What It
Revealed To The Soul Of Man..
Do Think A-While.

It was clear from the beginning, I
was born to love no other.
It was clear to my heart that it found
it's proper owner.
Many things got fuzzy, everything
was catastrophic, but one thing
never changed.
I can't forget my love for you, I can't
forget your touch.
I can't forget your voice, I can't forget
your sight.
I can't ignore how my body cries for
you, and most certainly not the pain
my heart feels.
I don't like being with out you, I don't
like the hostility in my heart of
disgracing your image and wanting it
more than ever. I can't control the
battle that losing you puts me
through, a battle against myself, an
infinite realm in which I have no
better outcome than perishing after
you. I hopelessly wait for my time, I
long for the day to reunite with you. I
planned a whole lifetime together,
my mind can't process the idea of
our life not allowing the opportunity.
I want you, I need you, time can't
heal me, its impossible. I love you, I'll
cry it forever. I scream to the world,
past the universe past the point of
my capable vocal chords. I'd fight
with anyone who stood between us,
nothing can take me from you. You
have my thoughts, my heart, my soul
and my body. My first real lover, the
first to gain my approval, the first to
make me scream "Yes!!" due to the
hand you took. I shed my tears for
you, and they won't stop coming. I
gave you everything, and the only
thing I'll be able to do is live my life
for you. I'm confused though, how
can I live this life when I don't want it,
I loathe the day I couldn't live my life
with you, I became accustomed to
you, to our routine. They say young
love is stupid, idiotic, unfathomable,
but it was the most real, most
wanted most confusing and pleasing
thing I've gone through. How can
something hurt and cause so much
pleasure. There's a reason you place
your pride aside for your love.. And
that's the sole reason

their park, their bench
was serenely quiet
leaves playfully danced
as pigeons quickly took flight.
he caressed the colourful scarf
she had knitted with love and care
he wept tears of remembrance;
her smile, her joy, the scent of her hair.
a chilly breeze made him shiver
he held tightly his scarf,
wrapped it around his lips
he inhaled deeply; breathing her in.
with steaming cups of coffee
a paper bag of gooey cinnamon buns
they had laid out the sunday crosswords
debated and laughed; they were truly one.
tummies full, cheeks a rosy glow
she lay her head on his lap
gazed into his clear blue eyes,
he kissed her forehead, held softly her hand.
this was their time, their park, their bench
he beamed recalling, the day she chose him.
she raced him uphill to the gorgeous oak tree,
they rolled down the hill; laughing aloud.
he rose from their bench,
lured by the gorgeous oak tree
fought back tears, as he slid down the trunk,
knees to his chest; fingers wrapped in his scarf.
he read what they etched only a few days ago,
hers read "you are my oak, forever you are my love"
his read "my scarf is your heart; you are my soul"
he kissed the etchings; cheeks streaming tears.
glancing down at their bench he froze, watching;
a young couple with steaming cups of coffee
gooey cinnamon buns peeking through a paper bag,
he rolled down the hill; his scarf,her spirt,in hand.
pulling carefully a piece of fringe from his scarf
he carefully placed it in the young man's hand
smiling, he watched them hold one another close;
in their park, on their bench,now; a new love bloomed
she forever lives in him, their park, their bench
the etchings, her laughter, the love in her eyes.
his scarf, her soul; eternally they are entwined.

Once upon a time there lived,
A beautiful girl and a man she loved.
So true was such their love,
There wasn't anyone who disapproved.
It had been love at first sight,
A fairy tale since that day.
The maiden had found the man of her dreams,
No one else needed to have a say.
They had done it all,
Candlelight dinners, shyly holding hands,
Kissing in the rain, dancing around trees,
Leaving intertwined footprints on white sands.
But it wasn't just another love story,
It was uniquely special like every other one.
They had eyes for no other but one another,
The best part of their lives had just begun.
They traveled around the world,
And she kissed her man at the seven wonders each.
People would smile at the storybook couple,
As they counted stars standing on a beach.
With her, he was the man he wished to be,
The one who wouldn't think twice,
About pulling her up to dance in a crowded train,
He'd protect her, keep her happy at any price.
He'd see through her weak smile,
All the way to the tears inside,
He'd whisper sweet things in her ear,
Hold her till all the tears dried.
Though they did have a fair share of problems,
They always came together again,
No matter what happened,
Like raindrops on a window pane.
On a rainy day, she had sat waiting,
Wondering about the surprise he had promised,
But he never came,
For the winds of fate had suddenly changed.
Five years after that day, she found herself alone,
Sitting on the porch, counting stars on her own,
As she recalled the day he had been taken from her,
'An unfortunate accident' on the next the papers had shown.
She hadn't cried on the phone, she hadn't cried on the way,
She didn't even cry when she had to identify him,
Not a single tear or a heartrending sob.
She just stared ahead with an expression so grim.
It was only when she had received his belongings,
The remnants of his last minutes, did she react.
She screamt and cried, laughed and wailed,
For among others, was a diamond ring beautifully packed.
His surprise, the laughter in his voice,
The excitement, the secrecy of the evening.
He had been right, it had left her breathless,
But he wasn't there to see the sorrow it did bring.
Even now her eyes brimmed with tears,
As she looked at the ring as it sparkled,
And thought of that time when there lived,
A beautiful girl and a man she loved.
- Miliya Parveen

An infamous thief
lived a restless life,
looking out for those
vigilant, shrewd cops;
his crafty hands pulling out
those tools out of the box,
to feed that ego so imprudent:
would he never be caught...
when his instincts coudn't predict?
Escorted to the court-room,
in hand-cuffs and chains,
he faces the harshest judge
of the In-God-We-Trust-Country...
a female judge who's fair but firm,
and yet so unsympathetically angry;
and she like a fearless preacher warns,
" Whoever thinks has a right
to steal, rob, kill or disturb the peace...
must be punished accordingly to the crime! "
All he wanted was an easy flow of money,
dirty money without a trace of sweat;
and he acted like the richest man of the county...
flashing it around and feeling great!
Did he ever foresee an end to that bliss,
how could he not be harmed by his own mischief?
In the coldest cell, he sits on the sheetless bed...
frowning upon an unsuccessful scheme:
if he were able to bend each bar with those hands,
unlock each door and sprint to freedom...
it would be the end of his loneliness and boredom;
but when reality sets in, he returns to being sad!
Years and many more years without a voice...
he will spend writing letters to his family,
missing out on holidays and birthdays...
repenting of his greedy and wicked ways
and allowing no other thought for escape;
pain, isolation and tolerance within those walls...
will teach the hardest lesson for his sake:
to make good choices and overcome his misery!!

Even before the arrival of the first snows, so brilliantly candid,
we climbed mounts less dangerous than the Alps's;
and we proudly chalked it up to our experience.
Now the snowy cliffs with bouffant boulders,
have lost their captious and so beatific image,
and quite too often we got pinched by burdock,
distracted by the robins chattering on a coarse descent;
I champed on crisp strawberries, while he challenged his strength.
My buddy never castigated me for my bizarre behavior,
and I admired him for displaying humor without repulsion,
or retort, and with chisel and hammer we engraved faces of historic men
on the smoothest rocks which were replete with their handsomeness.
Those adventurous afternoons are repealed when we look up,
and recreate them through our Male Chauvinism, cheery not dumb;
we felt like cave men making rudimentary drawings of their hunted animals,
while their women picked wild chicory for an early dinner.
Chums we were, resembling cowboys with wide hats in a chiaroscuro,
drinking in a bar filled with fashionable ladies frolicking and saying hello;
and chili con carne we ate, and plenty of beers to wash it down.
After our money was all squandered, our pockets were empty and we felt alone,
dazed...wobbling with fear, afraid to face our witless wives at home;
we were two idiots wooing empathy and some undeserving love.
And didn't they seem two witches ready for vengeance in their frown,
trying to squeeze the truth out of our silent and pretentious mouths too fulsome?
Frost will bring winter soon, and the snowy cliffs with bouffant boulders will be covered,
our hair have turned almost white to match the bright color of the deep snows,
as this river is freezing up, to become a sheet of ice, where no boats or barges pass;
and we play chess, the intramural game of a confined life, without those clandestine affairs.
Our darlings approve with sweet intonation, intensifying their affection so amorous;
and we embrace them with that tenderness that they have long desired...
staring at the snowy cliffs with bouffant boulders that these two climbers made their own,
remembering the cold and the shivering...coming down to a valley of comfort and domain.
Copyright 2009 by Andrew Crisci

I love you is more than just my words,
It is this deep down driving force of a silent sound.
Love is a magnet igniting sparks to try higher light.
Love connects beaming light twinkling at midnight.
Unmistakably, I’m assured audibly to get this heard.
I love you is more than me,
Love is pending in the depths of me I touch.
This is more than what I can realistically feel.
It is a bargainer’s deal for the sweetest steal.
Evidently, I run wild because I set it all free!
I love you is less than you,
It is an uncut gashing wound,
With lifetimes of a scored scar,
It is a typhoon of who you are,
Apparently, it is difficult to do!
I love you is less than them,
It is always lost,
It is never found,
It binds to a cost,
Hearts are bound.
I love just like you,
And you love just like me!
I swear to my God Almighty from up above my heart is pure and true!
I really do embellish everything my love is suppose to do just for you!
Forever and ever, the whole world shall open their eyes daily to see!
In lieu of this unconditional love, it is here I will always want to be!

‘ The Baby-Talk Song … ’
It’s Been 30 Years Ago …
But the Memories are Starting To Flow
Going Thru These Newborn Clothes …
Oh … How Fast Children Grow
You Were A Beautiful – Baby Boy !
That Teething Cat, was Your Favorite Toy
You Were Precious to Your Dad and Me
As Was Your First Words … in The Nursery
goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
We Tried to Get You to Say It Again
So We Could Bragg to All Our Friends
You Were The Apple of Our Eyes
Going: goo-goo ga-ga
We Loved to Hear Your Baby-Talk
Especially … at Your First Baby-Walk
Going: goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
… Laughter; Tears
Curiosity or Fears …
Always, Tell Us What You’re Trying To Say
… New Things; Mistakes
Triumphs or Heartaches
We Just Love To Hear You Anyway …
Ever Since: goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
When ol’ Burke, was Put to Sleep
You were so Hurt, You wouldn’t Speak
I Said: ‘Don’t Be Afraid To Cry …
‘Cause I’m … goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
And The First Time You Came Home High
Hanging with the Wrong High-School Guys
Daddy Explained, it to You Best …
He Helped You Get Out of Your … Mess
He wasn’t Shame and Here’s Why …
‘Cause He’s … goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
Laughter; Tears
Curiosity or Fears
Always Tell Us What You’re Trying To Say …
New Things; Mistakes
Triumphs or Heartaches
We Just Love To Hear You Anyway …
Ever Since … goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
… Pa Took Pictures of Bride and Groom
You Held Her, Like Your First Baby-Spoon !
… Now, Today … Our Family Gathers ‘Round
Overjoyed … At Your Baby’s Sounds …
goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
goo-goo ga-ga Da-Da
goo-goo ga-ga Ma-Ma
for: ('Great' Aunt –(smile) Carolyn Devonshire…
Who just told me she’s doing
Baby-Care Duty for Newborn in Family
A Precious Time Indeed
… I Dug This One Out (smile)
MoonBee

Our Union
My eyelashes bat
After meeting your gaze
From across a
Crowded subway haze.
My pupils dilate when they
Look back at you over dinner
Where we drank wine and ate.
My feet dance with glee as we
Fall hopelessly in love
In the midst of summer heat.
My heart splits apart
To become your wife
And your forever sweetheart.
My legs spread
Open to bare new life
And see your cheeks rosen.
My arms push
You away at night,
I'm too tired for a sex life.
My fists rage and tears pour,
When I discover your arms
Embracing another lover
After coffee one early morn.
My ears listen to
Your words of regret and
Pleads for a second chance
For things to be like
When we first met.
My fingers dial
Seeking third party counsel
To repair our shattered union.
My brain waves
Shift to understand your
Thoughts and your feelings,
While I bitterly convey my own.
My hand re-opens
To forgive your sins
And make amends.
My lips part to
Receive your kiss in the
Night in a sea of
Skin in our warm bed.
My heart flutters,
We’ve truly become one,
Years after we bore our son.

The power of love holds the battleground.
Nuclear blasts from sea to sea.
Wait and you will see!
Begging, kicking, and screaming:
Pleading, “Give it to me”!
Standing on God’s ground, defended by the armor and shield melting.
The power of love holds the mystery.
Things are never as they seem.
Do the means meet the extremes?
Where, how, when was I?
Wondering if it was only a dream?
Standing on God’s ground, defeated by the lock that obtains that key.
The power of love carries the only prayer.
Time to come and be done.
Soon you will be the one.
Dead, black, despair:
Hoping, will someone hear?
Standing on God’s ground, lost in the dream in which you begun.
®Registered: 1998 Ann Rich

Today I lived my life with ghosts
Both living and dead
Your face, their face
Slipped through my fingers and fell to the floor
Hundreds of pictures of you and them
Hundreds of moments and moments and moments
Too numerous and caught in that web of time
Dangled on a cobweb so thin, so fine
It could break but does not snap
And lasts and lasts
And holds and holds
All there, suspended in that instant
Before falling to the floor,
Or in the box of memories. To be kept.
So where do you reside, in the bin or the box?
Where do you live for future’s worth?
Will you be cut adrift or salvaged in those stepping stones to the past.
And yet, she still picked up those photos of you
Pained and dulled
Still confused and stabbed by what has happened over time.
She saw your face and paused. Reflected.
She then gently collected up those images of you and me
And saved them in the box
One day for all to see in times to come.
She decided not to put you in the bin.
Unlike me.
She rescued her childhood.
Put down a marker in the sand
And said stop to the sea
To the waves and waves
That break over time and pain
Saved you from the blankless pile of Venice and Florence
And Christmas and beaches and Barbies and laughter
And with a simple dignity
She gave you back some worth.

There Are Sounds of Ancient Thunders
There Are Sounds of Ancient Drummers
Calling … Brave Warriors
Gladiators and Warriors
And They’re Marching To The Cadence of Their Hearts’ Pounding
Marching, To The Cadence of The World’s Rage Resounding
They’re Going By The Beat of Their Heart’s Pumping
By The Steady Flow of Blood and Bloodlust, Tells Me Somethin’
… Warriors …
Courageous Warriors …
Chorus:
But, We’ve Seen These Men, Playing With Their Children
We’ve Seen These Sons and Their Laughter, I’m Hearing
We’ve Seen These Men, Loving Their Babies
And Tenderly Holding and Kissing Their Ladies
… Warriors …
Courageous Warriors …
2nd Chorus:
Oh Lord, Please Stop These Warriors’ Battle Cry
And The Battle Cry, Coming From Their Mothers and Wives
The Battle Cry, Coming From Their Little Ones’ Eyes
The Battle Cry, Coming From Warriors … When They Die
… Warriors …
Courageous Warriors …
Sticks and Stones, Swords, Arrows and Bombs
Lances, Knives, Hand to Hand Combat, Napalm
God Almighty, Oh, Thy Kingdom Come
Please Rescue Us, From The Kingdom of The Gun …
And Prophecy Is Marching – Listen, All Who Arms Bear
Warriors, Must Beat War Weapons Into Plowshares ( Isa. 2: 4 )
And When War, Is No More, Then We Will Hear
All Warriors’ Battle Cry, Will Be An Amen Cheer !
… Gentle Warriors …
Peace-Loving, Warriors …
2nd Chorus:
Oh Lord, Please Stop These Warriors’ Battle Cry
And The Battle Cry, Coming From Their Mothers and Wives
The Battle Cry, Coming From Their Little Ones’ Eyes
The Battle Cry, Coming From A Warrior’s … Last ‘ Why ? ’
… Warriors …
Courageous Warriors …
How Can Flesh and Blood, Mortal-Men, Be So Fearless, I Wonder
Are They Strengthened By Duty, Love and Honor
Facing Danger, Death and Being Torn Asunder
Sacrificing All, As A Fallen Soldier …
… Warrior …
Courageous Warrior …

Oh this Sea from left to right,
How my mind gathers your visions to my sight.
You clouds stray from over here to over there,
And my lungs fill deep as they gather you into my air.
I am the neutral zone with all of my love that I share
The “Palms by the Sea” give my visions their true light!
In each I can see myself inside of a seemingly height.
The Palms by the Sea are my only solemn oath I fight!
Up inside of the tallest tree I shall surely come,
Your Earth, your Moon and your Sun I shall make them all come undone!
I am you as you breathe my life and it is your love that I shall proclaim in the moment I seize!
Up inside of you I am proclaiming my every single genuine need.
The “Palms by the Sea” guard the shores for my more, my all, or even none!
®Registered: Ann Rich 1997

Your Touch Is Like …
… Fire and Ice Combined
Or Feeling Raindrops, for First Time
Or Like, Swaying, Tropic-Jungle-Vines
Blown Gently In The Breeze, Entwined
Or Like, Ivy … Upon A Trellis-Climb
Or Like, Sunflowers, Reaching Sunshine
Or Like, Geniuses, Meeting Of Minds
Or Shakespeare, Tennyson, and Poe, Rhymes
Your Touch Is Like, A Discovery Of Mine
Like Piano-Keys, That Only I, Should Find
Tho’ Only God’s Touch Is Divine
Your Touch, Is Quite Sublime …
Your Touch Is Like, An Invisible-Bind
Your Touch Is, So Alive and Genuine
Like … An Electric-Livewire-Line
Or Like … Seeing A Shooting-Star- Sign
Like … Its Fire and Ice Combined …
… Fingers Trail, Like The Blaze Of A Comet
Behold … The Iceman Cometh
Oh, Your Touch Is Like A Mountain-Summit
I Wish, That I Could Superglue-It
… I Like, That Your Touch Is Like … A Duet
And I Like, That You Sure Knew-It…

We see Grandma`s hands wrinkled and red
she weeds the garden, then makes the beds.
She hangs the laundry out to dry
goes in the house bakes cherry pies.
She prepares the supper meal
she has potatoes and carrots to peel.
She finally comes to the end of a busy day
she folds her hands and kneels in prayer.
She reads her Bible turns out the light
She softly whispers to her husband "I love
you goodnight.

The wind’s warmth gently breathes into my veins
As the road winds through a familiar passage.
Across the dusk canvas a welcoming aura emanates
From the city and streets I once called my own,
This is my homecoming.
Smiles dawning on the mouths of friends in waiting
And mine, mine as well as I know the joys to come…
Where trails converge tales emerge, old new alike
Cheers to you you you, round round round.
Lives change change, love weight work
Lost gained gained lost, yet no one’s really changed.
The old refrain sang and sung, off key in harmony
Midnight wick sits searing, behind the window pane.
From the town I loved, the road winds away
My gaze now content on faces in the dashboard
Smiles dawning on the mouths of family waiting
And mine, mine as well as I know the joys to come…
This is my homecoming.

Dead end story, dead end train,
No girl left to find, no heart left to claim,
Held back by the glasses and clinking of ice,
The whiskey, the bar, the story of my life.
Tears in the whiskey draw memories to view,
A girl in my arms, our hearts born anew,
The dress, the kiss, the vows and the love,
Tears fall once more as I look up above.
To the tattered old ceiling, a cobweb or two,
Look past to the sky, like your eyes, colored blue,
See your smile through rain, and your face through the sky,
Goodbye sweet angel, forever goodbye.
Fog my memory, take the reigns,
With liquid fire, flood my veins,
Pour it through and watch me burn,
A man in a bottle with a lot to learn.

Brilliant poet
Whose life was consumed with tragedy
Existence filled with bitter losses
Happiness forsaking her life
Passionate romance
With poet Ted Hughes
Swept her away
Bringing magic into her dreary life
Relationship intensified
And they became united
Living in marital bliss
Coddling their two children
For a short spell
Through their love of poetry
They formed a special bond
That was destroyed by an opportunist
A temptress named Assia
Tender kisses turned into lonely tears
As Ted's desire for Assia waxed
His interest for Sylvia waned
Her life now engulfed in despair
She found it hard to cope with the reality
That was her life
She decided to kiss Ted goodbye forever
By placing her head in the oven
And turning the gas on
Ending her pain forever
From there Assia stepped into Sylvia's shoes
Residing in the home where Ted and Sylvia
Shared their lives together
Raising her children
Loving her husband
As if she were taking Sylvia's place
But, even after Sylvia joined the dark realm
Walking hand and hand with the grim reaper
Her memory still lingered behind
Her former home with Ted
Became like a shrine
Filled with the overwhelming presence
Of Sylvia's most treasured possessions
Assia could not escape the ghost
Of her former rival's presence
Though in life
Sylvia was cast aside and forgotten
Now it seemed that her spirit
Would not let go
Of the injustices she suffered
At the hands of the manipulative woman
Who used every ploy
To steal Ted away from her

You don't see me
As a woman
You only see me
As your prey
Your next meal
Seeking to devour me
With your razor sharp fangs
Superficially charming
But, I see through your facade
Your smoke and mirrors
Aren't fooling me
Salivating at the
Thought of making
Me your next victim
You feel Carnal desires
Burning inside you
Swelling up like
A tidal wave
Trying to make this
Surfer catch a ride
On your cryptic sailboat
In your sea of
Sacrificial lambs
Cruel deception
Pretty lies
Cool as an
Autumn breeze
With every single
Act of prevarication
That you commit
Shakespearean performances
In your presence
Acting out so many
Histrionic displays
Of drama to seduce
The gullible souls
Who want to understand you
So that you can exsert
Your dyspotic control
Over their lives
Enslaving them
Your narcissism
Prevents you from
Understanding the
Tears they cry
Because of your wrath
Monotone voice
No accentuation
No emphasis can
Be heard because
You don't mean
The words that
Leave your lips
A poker face
Lacking grace
Devoid of sincerity
Communication only
A tool to manipulate

You want to embrace me,
I can feel your great urge;
You want to kiss me, I know that, too.
You want to feel the warm of my lips;
You want to touch my hair, while I huddle against you;
Your yearning heart, still, beats for me.
To you, I can easily give
All of these, with great compassion and love;
Right now, any time, for I miss you, too.
But, how can I trust you, again?
You know the reason…
Why I left you?

A constant presence
Watching over me
Always by my side
Ready to pick me up
Everytime I fall
No facades around you
I can be myself
I don't have to masquerade
As someone else so you
Will remain true to me
Through the many storms
That have come our way
You have remained
Knowing all my secrets
Knowing all my sins
Nothing I could do would
Ever cause your statue
For me to crumble
Despite so many years
Of unrequited love
You waited a lifetime
Just for the chance
To show me your love
No matter what I looked like
No matter what I had done
To break your heart
You always referred to me
As your ideal woman
"Perfect" in your eyes
Your love for me is true
Like a statue always standing
As a tribute of your devotion

[Satyr]
A quick game is all it will be
I can tell you can hear my shouts and screams from forest
Your home it beckons thee
Why won't you come and play with me?
Why cant you cure her?
The venom isn't too deep
If you could awaken her once
Cant you do it again
Did sorrow blind you?
[Orpheus]
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Why I not could listen to the dread king
All the life to you I could bring
I had to look back with eyes of dismay
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Music no more will there be
For I have forsaken my Eurydice
[Persophone]
He will never listen
No is all you will hear
Death is always the killer of love
Death will always win
[Hades]
Go back to your kingdom
My words have been proclaimed
Your music will not be able to charm
[Persophone]
Why don't you please
Give him his love
He went this far in vainI
f he cannot see her blank face
Wont why you please
[Orpheus]
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Why I not could listen to the dread king
All the life to you I could bring
I had to look back with eyes of dismay
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Music no more will there be
For I have forsaken my Eurydice
[Hades]
If it will please
You can see her
Only without your eyes
Throughout the dark realm
Looking back will forsaken your Eurydice
[Orpheus]
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Why I not could listen to the dread king
All the life to you I could bring
I had to look back with eyes of dismay
Eurydice Eurydice how mortal death has forsaken thee
Music no more will there be
For I have forsaken my Eurydice

[///
I would tell him,
but he hunkered
down in his bunker,
debriefing
with one-thousand-caliber cans of beer.
He rationed himself,
confidentially,
to every Bud.
Every friend
poured from their head-wound
deafening - distinctive - gurgles.
///]
(…
I dine at a wide clay table -
face the gold-red wall.
I serve myself a setting yolk -
season it with salt.
I eat my meal, and quickly-
forbid the air its warmth.
I stuff myself with sunset;
starved in bed, I bawl
as dusk, so kind, wraps leftovers
for tomorrow evening’s gall
…)
He (like the day) has set;
sunsets taste – different –

In my mind I see you.
Your handsome bronze body.
Your eyes reflect your honesty.
I want to hold you near me.
No strings attached.
In my dreams I see you.
Your stong arms outstretched.
Your long fingers reaching out.
I want to lie with you.
In my eyes I see you,
your face so handsome.
Your looking at me.
I want to kiss your lips.
No strings attached.
The dreams are now gone,
and I'm left with the one.
whose eyes now need
jam jar glasses,
to gaze at the lasses.
Reality at last.
that body went fast,
as all travelled South,
through him stuffing his mouth.
with enough to feed an army.
The arms crack and grate,
as I patiently wait,
whilst he finds his specks.
to give me goodnight pecks.
Before he creaks into bed.
The snores he emits,
have frightened the kids
and keep our neighbours awake,
till I give him a shake.
Then he starts again within minutes.
What a difference takes place.
It's a bloomin disgrace.
when I have to compete with Viagra.
But inspite of all that
I wont change him, for my dream man.
Cause now those Strings are attached!

Strategizing your next move
In our little game of chess
That we have been playing
Against each other for so long
Precious one, don't you
Realize that I already
Know your next move
My teacher was Bobby Fischer
He taught me how to defeat
Players just like yourself
He made me a pro at this
Game of cat and mouse
My eyes see the truth
My ears hear what you
Are really saying and
Not what you utter to me
I know what you're thinking
I know how you will answer
Me before you even open
Up your lying mouth
No naive school girl here
I have been playing this
Game longer than you
And believe me, baby
I know how to win
I will take your King
Before you even get a
Chance to move your pawn
You cannot defeat the
Mistress of love games
I have have been played
With too many times
To miss when I have
Met up with another player
Trying to outwit the dominatrix
Are you going to quit or
Am I going to have
To get the whip out?
Save your masquerading
For someone who will
Fall for your bag of tricks
This old crone has been around
Way too long to be fooled
By a mere amateur like you

Two lost souls
Screaming in agony
Searching for solace
Seeking comfort
Brought together
Through the hands of fate
To guide each other
Out of the abyss that
They have become trapped in
Tears of sadness
Totally consume them
They are drowning
In their bitter despair
No one could reach them
They were left to decay
In this claustrophobic tomb
They had stumbled into
Eternally misunderstood
Two outcasts
Two souls connected
Through their endless
Captivity in the darkness
They have been bound to
For what has felt
Like an eternity
Now traveling through
Their tunnel of torment
Facing their demons together
So they will never have to
Suffer in solitude any longer

I Walked in the Woods, on a Moonlit path
As Fireflies gathered around to Dance
And Crickets and a Nightingale Chirped a Tune
As a Distant Wolf, Howls at the Moon
And a Glow-Eyed Owl, Territorially Asked Who-o-o- !
dares Invade and Interrupts Our Hullabaloo ?
and the Leaves on the Oaks, Rustled an Answer
across the Sky… and Wind Breezily Whispered…
… Must Be A Night Creature
Who Cannot Sleep
Must Have A Night-Nature
And Ventures Deep …
Into The Nightshade and Hollyhocks
Her Eyes, like Two Nimbus, Shimmery-Spots…
… Now, The Path lay close, to a Bubbling Stream
Which led to a Pool, of a Mirror-Sheen
Denizens of the Dark, Grouped Near the Obsidian-Ink
… in Hushed Agreement, as I Knelt To Drink…
… Must Be A Night Creature
She Drinks at Leisure
Must Have A Night-Nature
Look At Her Stature…
Intrepid-Instinct, Even Blasé- Imbued
Even in Silhouette- Shadows and Solitude…
… And, as I Stroll Back, the Way I Came
The Mysterious-Darkness Asked: “Had I Ever Been Tame?...”
I Raised My Face, Replied, “Yes… Under God’s Hand…
… And as I Stepped into the Tent... added… “And That Of My Man's”…
… Must Be A Night Creature
Hunting Treasure
Must Have A Night-Nature
Hunting Pleasure…
… in The Measure of His Sweet Kissed-Reaction
In The Measure of My Own, Night-Predator Passion…

Listen to The Wind and The Rain
Playing Symphonies Again
With Muted-Base of Thunder
Raise The Window; Watch and Wonder
Listen to The Wind and The Rain
Crescendo – Clean and Rise – Refrain
A Rush of Lightning Rhapsody
Love-Struck A Chord… Deep in Me…
(Listen to The Wind and The Rain…)
Open Up The Door !
I Want to Feel the Choir’s Full – Score
Wind and Rain – By Maestro’s Hand
Make Melody to Woman and Man
(Listen to The Wind and The Rain…)
Listen to The Wind and The Rain
In This Lullaby, We have Lain
In Such Peaceful Harmony
Singing in Love’s Key…
Listening to The Wind and The Rain...

Aahh!... He Climbs Up Out The Pool
And Six Feet of Tiny Rivulet Jewels
And Gem-Droplets, Run and Sparkle on His Skin
Sunshine-Glitter and His Grin !... and then
… of course, He has to Dry
Yet, Breeze and My Eyes and Heartsong… Sigh
… at Such A Desirous Sight
The Man is… Watertight !
My Moon-Tide… and My – World-Wonder
Ha !... I Think, I’ll Push Him Back Under…
… He’s Watertight !

As I dress my self for the special day.
I whisper a prayer to help me along the way.
Looking in the mirror at my mothers beautiful dress.
She lovingly sewed together, so I could look my best.
My beloved is a mystery just for that special hour.
I smile to myself as I gather my bouquet of flowers.
The music plays, as I walk down the aisle with my father.
He winks at me, after giving me away to another.
Family gathers tissues and a hush covers the place.
As we exchange vows, he gathers me up into a loving embrace.
I barely heard the words "you may kiss your bride".
My husband raised my veil, kissed me tenderly as I cried.
We are now as one, united in holy matrimony, thus begins our path.
Together we will take on each day, enjoying each other as if was our last.

When wintertime chills the nighttime air
and fireplaces, like candles, glow,
it is your hearth, I long to lay with you by
and reflect on days of long ago.
We were young and frolicked the days away.
We had no thoughts except for the now,
but those days had traveled on so fast
and we lost sight of those days somehow.
We enjoyed those times, those carefree days.
We threw it all to the wind for a chance.
The love we shared was beautiful then,
far greater than any other romance.
Here, in the shadows of the hearth glow,
though time had stolen our days,
age has been kind to you my sweet
and changed our love in so many ways.
Now, when I hold you, a tear I shed
knowing you’ve given your life to me.
Though, beauty surrounds us each and every day
it is only you that I will continue to see.
Those young ones that don’t know what true love can be,
like talking or just holding hands,
will never attain the love that we’ve shared
and will never appreciate the dance.
That dance, when we first locked in our gaze,
and together, learned to move as one.
Dances like that are left to the past
and for the rest of the world, they’re gone.
Here, as the light of the fire surrounds
with the music that’s played in our hearts,
I still see the young girl I met long ago
and see forever with no endings, just starts.

Assia's victory over Sylvia
And her existence with Ted
Was bitter-sweet
There was no fairytale ending
Her Prince grew discontent with her
Like he had with Sylvia
Though her womb bore
Him a daughter to cherish
No wedding bells would ring
Just reminding Assia again
That Ted's heart really
Belonged to Sylvia
Despite all her trickery
She realized that she never
Really had Ted's love
Suffering from her sinister sin
Haunted by Sylvia's memory
And rejected by the man she worshipped
She decided to kiss Ted goodbye forever
Just like Sylvia had done years before
Laying a mattress down on the kitchen floor
Then sealing the kitchen doors and windows
Dissolving some sleeping pills
In whiskey for herself
Turning the gas stove on
Then laid down next to
She and Ted's daughter, Shura
Until they took their final breath
Bringing a fateful end to her life
And that of her daughter's
What an ironic ending
Like something out of a novel
That the vixen who once took so
Much happiness away from Sylvia
Would find herself alone
And filled with despair
Ending her life in a nearly identical manner
Proving that we always pay for our sins eventually
No one can escape their day of judgment
Our dirty deeds always follow us to the grave
As Assia discovered too well
Sylvia lost Ted in life
But, through her vengeance
She won him back in death
Getting her justice
And fighting back
The way she could not
Find the strength to do
When she was alive
Sylvia's vengeance expanded
For when people speak the name Assia
It is only in disgust
For all she is remembered as is
The woman who wrecked Ted and Sylvia's marriage
But, Sylvia enjoys success from beyond the grave
For Ted made sure that her
Beautiful works of poetry were published
Immortalizing Sylvia's genius forever
Finally giving her the happiness
That escaped her in life
So she could rest peacefully
Until the day
They would be together again

I stand on this platform
As the 7:30 train approaches
My thoughts suddenly drifting
To another day, another moment
It was like yesterday
But truly so long ago
When I first saw you in that very spot
Waiting for the train
Reading that paper
Remaining elusive, but cognizant
Of the surroundings
You looked, noticed me
And how I was captured
By the innocence of an angel
I approached, stammering, nervous
Yet, you smiled and welcomed me
We spoke, we missed our train
We entered into a future
As tomorrows approached
Now, part of the past
I just left you but moments ago
Left the warmth of our home
Yet my mind, my dreams
Still remain there
I cannot wait to speak to you again
To smell you
To see your face as I walk through
The door this evening
But, at this moment
I just missed the 7:30 train
As it passed and left me
Standing alone on this platform

On occasion I feel like Sylvia Plath
The tortured poet who
During her tumultuous life
Never knew lasting bliss
Who never experienced true love
That was ever lasting
It seems she was only destined
To taste a miniscule bite
Of the delights she treasured
Everything she accumulated
Eventually disappeared
As if it was never hers
To begin with
Like a library book
That she was expected to return
By a certain date
Through death she lost her Father's love
At such a youthful age
When she needed the security
That only a Daddy can bring
After all, Fathers shape
Their daughters view of men
For years to come
As seemed to be the case in Sylvia's life
For when she met
A fellow poet, Ted Hughes
Who with whom she
Would enjoy temporary marital bliss
She experienced emotional ecstasy
That she never even imagined
Could exist between two people
Their creativity in their poetic
Works of art brought them together